Simsbury, CT - Board of Selectmen Minutes

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were: First Selectman Thomas Vincent; Board members, Moira Wertheimer, John Romano, John Hampton, and David Ryan. Others in attendance included: Sarah Floroski, Rich Correia, John Loomis, Richard Sawitzke, and other interested parties.

Mr. Correia, said that the Town of Simsbury has become a "Preserve America Community" since last year. They have now received a Preserve America Federal grant from the government. This money will be used for advertising, brochures, a website, a tourism map, promotions for Talcott Mountain Music Festival and Rails-to-Trails, etc.

Mr. Correia showed a proclamation from Governor Rell stating that the Town of Simsbury is a Preserve America Community and a beautiful designation from the Government.

Ms. Floroski said Federal grant is for $50,000 and they have applied for a State grant in the amount of $30,000. They are also hoping to privately fund raise $20,000 or more.

Mr. Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street said Representative Linda Schofield attended the Board of Selectmen meeting on July 9, 2007 to explain her accomplishment regarding a $1.92 million dollar increase in the Town's educational cost sharing grant. This was the biggest increase in ECS aid to the Town plus extra monies for special education.

Mr. Kalechman said he was disappointed that the Town didn't receive money for roads and bridges, which he feels would be a help to homeland security in the Town.

Mr. Kalechman said his letter, attached, is a request for information regarding the remarks of the Chairman of the Aging and Disability Commission, Edward LaMontagne. He said Mr. LaMontagne asked the Board to change the rules and regulations regarding

appointments and requirements for members to be appointed to his Commission. Mr Kalechman said the Board of Selectmen did not vote for these proposed changes.

Mr. Minor, 39 Sunset Hill Road, had two Zoning Commission matters that he would like the Board to discuss. One is the potential revision to the Zoning Regulations to provide Planned Development Districts (or PPDs). The other one is the River Oaks application, which he feels will make use of the new PPD zone. His comments are attached.

Mr. Minor is asking the Board for a "Non-Binding Referendum" or "Information-only vote" instead of the Referendum vote he asked for several months ago. He wants to know the facts on the issue and give everyone in Town the opportunity to provide their input. He thanked the Board for their time.

John Loomis, 500 Firetown Road said he thought the agenda would include the fee ordinance issue. Seeing as it is not on the agenda, he would like to address one portion of the draft that the Planning Commission looked at, dated May 18th.

Mr. Loomis spoke about Section C, talking about the Land Use Agencies recommending the retention and fee of the consultants needed. He feels that this issue needs to be discussed further before final recommendations are made. Mr. Vincent said this issue should be discussed further at the next Board meeting.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive said she feels public issues need to be addressed in a public format and not with her alone when she speaks to Mr. Vincent.

Ms. Coe spoke about merit raises for non-union employees being approved. She feels employees need to reach goals and objectives before receiving merit raises. She asked about the Simsbury Farms budget going over and wanted to know if Mr. Toner will receive a merit raise.

Ms. Coe asked why taxpayers paid for renovations at Town Hall for mold. She gave the Board a picture of a water spot in the ceiling in the Main Meeting Room as attached.

Diane Nash, 5 Merry Wood said the Ethel Walker property purchase has closed. She thanked everyone for their support and the vote for approval to purchase this property. She said the citation from the State will be part of a memorial to be showcased on the property. There will be a celebration on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at the Ethel Walker site.

Sarah Floroski, Main Street Partnership, said the Talcott Mountain Music Festival has been very successful again. The vendors on and off site were all successful.

Ms. Floroski also thanked everyone for the success of the sidewalk sale and the "Touch a Truck" day. This brought out a lot of families and helped them understand what the public's responsibility is and how different positions in Town work.

Mr. Romano asked Ms. Floroski about contracts for the events. Ms. Floroski said they are simple contracts that spell out everyone's responsibilities in writing.

Mr. Ryan made motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $11,696.58 for the period covering July 6, 2007 - July 18, 2007. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Sawitzke said the Water Pollution Control project is 99% complete. The last 1% includes calibrating instruments, etc. They are reaching their design capability. They are scheduled for a closing with the D.E.P. in March 2008.

Mr. Sawitzke said the Library project is moving along. The steel is up on the westerly portion. They are about 22% complete today. They are out to bid on technology packages. The bids should be opened in late August.

Mr. Sawitzke said the Greenway project in the valley is moving forward. The section from the Farmington River Crossing to Unionville center has been completed. The section known as SI5 is being finished now.

Mr. Sawitzke said the drainage projects are moving along. There are five sanitary sewer projects in various stages. The Bushy Hill Road project will start next month. They are looking for funding in the next budget cycle as well.

Ms. Sawitzke said Eno Memorial is at a 50% point. They are in the design stage for the sprinkler system and front walkway design.

a) Mr. Romano made motion to accept the resignation of Richard A. Hogan from the Simsbury Board of Education effective June 21, 2007. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion and thanked Mr. Hogan for his years of service. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Wertheimer said Mr. Mandell asked her to give a report on Culture, Parks and Recreation. She said on July 17-18 the Southern New England Women's Golf Association Championship was held at the Simsbury Farms Golf Course. Lisa Neary was the Chairperson for the event. Not only was the event financially successful, but it also was an opportunity to showcase the golf course to some of the best amateur women golf players in Southern New England.

Mr. Ryan made motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of July 9, 2007. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.